10 Free Things to Do in Budva: Complete list

Although Budva is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Montenegro, its versatile offer includes many free things and fun places to enjoy and explore. Known among tourists as the Miami of Montenegro, Budva’s coast has attracted many visitors due to its incredible beaches, the historical allure of the old town, and outstanding nightlife that rivals some of the world’s most famous destinations.

Although, like any touristy town, Budva has some attractions for which you need to break the bank, such as a visit to Sveti Stefan or entrance to some museums and historical attractions, there are still plenty of attractions that are free of charge.

Therefore, if you are on a tight budget, we’ve got your back. Keep reading and discover our guide to the top 10 free places to visit in Budva that must be on your itinerary list:

Budva City Walls

Budva’s city walls are one of the most striking features of the town, which give it a unique charm. Like many city walls, this is a walkable attraction that surrounds the core of the Old Town and represents a distinct historical defence mechanism. The city walls date back to the Middle Ages when the Venetians governed these regions. The city walls’ urban core sustained some damage from two major earthquakes in 1667 and 1979, some of which are evident even today.

Today, they are recognised as a truly remarkable spot that should not be missed during a visit to Budva. The best thing about it is that a big part of the wall is free. So you can access it throughout the day and night. A portion of the wall is connected to the citadel, so you must pay an admission fee, but only during the hottest part of the summer; otherwise, it is either free or locked.

The most visited part of the city walls is near the small square, where you can find the church and the so-called “summer theatre scene”. During July and August, Budva Art Fest is held here, and it hosts different theatre plays. Many people can gather for the rest of the year to watch local street musicians perform.

Budva’s city walls are also some of the best places in the city to enjoy the unique fire-red summer sunsets. Here, you can fully grasp the mesmerising nature of the Adriatic Sea and genuinely feel the peacefulness of the Mediterranean way of life.

Old Town Budva

Old Town is one of the most striking places that dominate Budva’s landscape and is also the most popular tourist spot. And the best thing about Old Town is that this unique place is completely free to visit. Here, you will experience the hub of the city’s activities and vivacious nightlife during summer.

The Old Town, as one of the free things to do in Budva, is well known for its distinctive architecture and urban features that date back to the ancient era. Those sources claim that Budva, which is over 2,500 years old, is one of the oldest cities in the Adriatic. Its Old Town is presumed to date back to the same period. It has various entrances, all leading to the narrow streets that hide some of the best pubs and restaurants in town.

Although it can remind you of the labyrinth, the streets of Old Town have unique features. They are filled with numerous other attractions. The oldest building in Old Town is the Church of Sveta Marija, dating from 840 A.D. This incredible place is also home to several picturesque squares with historical buildings. It also includes countless religious objects that date back to the 16th century and further.

Statue Ballerina

The Statue “Ballerina”, or Budva’s Dancing Girl, is a symbol of the city and yet another free thing to visit in Budva. This incredible sculpture is located between the Old Town and Mogren Beach, on the rocks near the sea. The sculpture was inspired by Olga Kalivoda, an athlete who was eternalised by the Serbian vajar Gradimir Aleksića. The statue has several copies, but the one in Budva is the most famous.

The Budva’s “Balerina,” is attributed to a moving story from the local folklore. It centres on a touching story about a young girl and a sailor who are sincerely in love. As legend states, they were separated by financial difficulties. The girl promised herself that she would wait for her love to return as he went to earn money. This is why she went to the seaside cliff and longed to see his ship in the distance. Sadly, the sailor never came back, and the girl continued waiting until her death. She was found on the very beach where “Balerina” now stands, representing the eternal spirit of love and longing.

Today, this statue is a famous item in Budva, attracting tourists to enjoy the peaceful scenery. It is a mesmerising spot where the Adriatic Sea is in front of you in all of its glory.

Podmaine Monastery

The Crnojević aristocratic family, a well-known historical mecenas, whose most famous heritage is the Podmaine Monastery. They built this sanctuary in 1747 near Budva, whose spectacular structure has attracted tourists and worshipers ever since.

The main monastery is located near a smaller, older chapel dedicated to the Presentation of the Mother of God. This holy object was constructed in the fifteenth century. Since then, it has been repaired multiple times and serves as a protected haven for believers along the Adriatic coast.

Besides its masterful exterior architecture, the Maine Monastery is known for its interior. On top of the incredible altar, the walls of the monastery are equally worthy of your attention. Inside the Church of St. Petka, you can find paintings that date back to 1747. They are done by Corfu-born Nicholaos Aspioti and Risan-native Rafail Dimitrijević.

Another notable elements in the monastery’s interior are frescos that include a modern-day rendition of the Last Judgement. It depicts the heads of the uncanonical Montenegrin Orthodox Church and former Yugoslav leader Tito as damned and handed over to devils who herd them down into hell.

All these treasures make Podmaine monastery worthy of your attention and definitely an important stop in your free things to do in Budva tour.

Mogren Beach

Mogren is one of Budva’s best-known beaches and one of Montenegro’s well-liked secluded spots. Hidden behind the hills of Budva, right next to the shore, Mogren has been a sanctuary for locals and some informed tourists.

The Mogren Beach is divided into two sections – Mogren I and Mogren II. They are connected by a tiny wooden bridge. Both locations have gorgeous views of St. Nicholas Island and Old Budva. To reach them, you take a short but picturesque stroll next to the Old Town, following a narrow path by the sea. You pass by the famous Balerina statue, and Mogren Beach is right before you.

Despite its popularity, the location of Mogren allows it to retain a sense of privacy. The cliffs behind are covered with lush Mediterranean vegetation, while oak and pine woods rise on the slopes beyond, making this spot truly charming.

The entrance to the beach is not paid, therefore, Mogren is rightfully on the list of the top 10 free places to see in Budva. During summer, it is packed with locals who enjoy sand and a bit cooler water, which gives a special allure to the holiday in Budva.

Citadel

Budva’s Citadel is the most popular and the most striking part of Old Town. It is a uniquely preserved fortification from the Middle Ages, built on a hill and overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Its inhabitants have included Illyrians, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans, among others. The Budva Citadel is one of Montenegro’s most significant historical and cultural sites. It has fought in several wars and conflicts and functioned as a strategic stronghold for ages.

The Citadel is a part of the Old Town complex, and occasionally, people struggle to find it. In order to reach this historical marvel, you need to enter the Old Town through the main gates known as the Riva or Sea Gate. From there, walk towards the ocean until you reach the end of the main street. Look for stairs on your left leading up to the citadel. Ascend these stairs to reach the fortress at the hilltop, passing charming stores and historic buildings. At the summit, enjoy stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and coastline.

The entrance to the citadel is free off-season, so you can fully enjoy this iconic sight in Budva. A small tip from the locals: visit the Citadel during sunset to experience all of its charm.

Church of the Holy Trinity

A church dedicated to the Holy Trinity is located near the Old Town walls and the Citadel on the west side. It is at the top of all attractions to visit lists from tourists. Meanwhile, locals consider it one of the best religious architectural marvels in the city centre.

The Church of Holy Trinity was completed in 1804, having been requested by the Orthodox community of Budva with backing from the Bishop of Montenegro. This is a significant landmark as it represents the celebration of the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797.

The church is an architectural marvel, featuring a dome and a bell loft with three bells. Done in traditional Mediterranean style, above the western door, you will notice that a rosette adorns the facade. Greek iconographers from the 19th century created the church’s iconostasis, which is extremely valuable artistically.

It is one of the best examples of ecclesiastical architecture, with some beautiful pieces that will captivate you. These include a 14th-century sanctuary knocker and 15th-century misericord chairs decorated with religious, secular, and legendary motifs. Stefan Mitrov Ljubiša, a Budva-based writer and politician, is buried in front of the church.

The entrance to Holy Trinity is free, but you are invited to donate to the preservation of the church. Because of all this, you should place this incredible spot on your list of Budva’s attractions.

Krapina Village

Krapina Village is a hidden paradise located 5 km from the bustling centre of Budva. Taking a winding road along serpentines through beautiful areas of untouched nature, you will reach the village, which offers a variety of facilities to enjoy.

This family-owned village introduced the concept of “etno” into the Adriatic lifestyle. It includes local cuisine, organic products, enjoyment by the waterfall, eco-swimming, and going down the zip line.

Krapina boasts a variety of other attractions due to its position. It includes a natural swimming pool where you can take in all of the area’s natural wonders. In addition, you may experience amazing wildlife, walk along a hand-made wood path, breathe fresh air, and appreciate the beauty of a well-hidden tiny canyon. You can also go from here to the waterfall that emerges from the rock. It’s a wonderful small nook that adds to the appeal of Krapina village.

Besides natural delights, Krapina is also home to many farm animals that have been adopted. In addition to cats, dogs, and bunnies, you can find donkeys, geese, hens, and pigs. Next to the restaurant, you can also admire a small pool of fish.

Ruins of an early-Christian Basilica

Another spot in your free things to do in Budva should be the early-Christian Basilica. It is tucked away in the oldest parts of the town, and it rarely comes on the tourist radar. This fascinating archaeological site offers a rare glimpse into Budva’s ancient past, and it’s just a short stroll from the town’s main attractions.

Discovered in 1987 during excavation work, the basilica ruins reveal the layout of a three-nave church. It is quietly resting in the middle of Old Town. Part of the northern transept stretches beneath the current bishop’s palace, while the southern part hides under a retaining wall near the old Austro-Hungarian barracks.

Even though the site hasn’t been fully excavated, what has been uncovered is incredibly impressive. Archaeologists found structural elements like column bases and capitals that once supported the church’s central nave. But the most extraordinary discovery is the ciborium, an ornate canopy that once stood over the altar, remarkably large and without comparison in the region.

If you decide to visit it, please do not miss the 7th-century mosaic fragments found on the floors of the apse and nave. With all these treasures, the ruins of an early-Christian Basilica are genuinely worth your attention.

Budva’s Necropolis

Just outside the walls of the Old Town lies another incredible site that is worth your attention – the remnants of Budva’s ancient necropolis. This burial site dates back thousands of years and represents the historical insight into Budva’s life under both Greek and Roman rule.

It was discovered almost by accident during construction work for the Avala Hotel in the late 1930s. During systematic archaeological digs, it was revealed that the necropolis contains some of the oldest graves. They belonged to the Hellenistic period, around the 4th century BC, while the most recent dated to the early 6th century AD.

What makes this necropolis so special is its mix of burial traditions. The Hellenistic graves feature elegant stone sarcophagi and religious votive offerings. In contrast, Roman graves are marked by cremation rituals, with stone urns, coins, and objects made of glass and ceramics buried alongside the deceased. While most of the artefacts found in the necropolis were scattered across museums in Montenegro and the Balkans, there’s still a tangible trace of this ancient world visible today.

Just outside the entrance to Budva’s Old Town, you’ll find a Roman cippus. This is a carved tombstone that serves as a quiet but powerful reminder of the city’s layered past. It may not be flashy or fenced off, but this free-to-see site is an authentic piece of Budva’s history worthy of your time.